Frequently Asked Questions

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity whose purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have endured through centuries—even during political, military, and religious conflicts. The fraternity is not a forum for worship; rather, it is a friend of all religions based on belief in one God.

Members are expected to be upstanding citizens who obey civil law and moral law. Men join seeking fellowship and tradition—often following a family legacy.

Candidates receive three degrees, concluding with the Master Mason degree. The degrees are solemn, instructive, and free of embarrassment; and a Mason’s family and necessary vocations come first. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a Brother in regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.

No one person leads all of Masonry. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign in its own jurisdiction. Many Grand Lodges communicate regularly, but policy in one has no authority over another.

Yes. Like any organization, Lodges have operating costs. There is a one-time fee for the three degrees and regular annual dues. Amounts vary by Lodge size and facilities, but are generally not prohibitive.

A member in good standing may receive a Masonic funeral at his or his family’s request. The Master of his Lodge coordinates with the family, mortuary, and clergy. Services may be held at the mortuary, graveside, or both. Pallbearers can be provided if requested, and the Lodge participates as much or as little as the family wishes.

No. Masonry is openly known—Temples are marked, Lodges are listed, members wear emblems, and Lodges serve the community. It is a society with a few secrets (such as modes of recognition and degree ceremonies), similar to many fraternities.

No. Masonry offers no plan of salvation, prescribes no theology, and does not dictate how to worship. We encourage men to be faithful to their own religion and to pursue their spiritual development within it. Freemasonry has no dogma or theology; it teaches that every man should have a religion of his choice and be true to it.

Not at all. The degrees reinforce virtues such as Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, and Justice. They are dignified, symbolic, and respectful—never demeaning, and never contrary to one’s faith, country, or the law.

Yes—candidates must believe in a Supreme Being. Masonry is a fraternity, not a religion. Members come from many faiths; atheists are not accepted.

Requirements include: male, 18+, belief in a Supreme Being, and good moral character. If you know a Mason, ask him about membership. If not, reach out below and we’ll connect you with a Lodge.

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Freemasonry is “The World’s Premier Men’s Organization.”